Arts & Culture

Best Art Museums In Miami

As host to Art Basel, the most important art show in the United States, one can concur that art is a large part of Miami’s local culture. The great thing about the best art museums in Miami is that between them all, they offer such variety. From contemporary to ancient American art, Miami’s art scene has it all if you know where to look. – Kimberly Porter

Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art is located on Miami Beach. It offers both general admission prices and memberships. Members get unlimited admission, as well as invitations to special previews and events. On select Sunday’s there are special programs, such as musical guests and art classes. Besides that, there are exhibitions that are constantly coming and going – making each time you visit the Bass Museum of Art a new experience. It is a small and unique jewel of a museum – considered one of the best art museums in Miami. It was founded in 1963, when art collectors John and Johanna Bass bequeathed their art collection to the city. The art deco building that houses the rotating collection is a piece of art in and of itself. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

MOCA Miami

The Museum of Contemporary Art, better known as MOCA, in North Miami, calls itself “the museum where new art is discovered.” It is an internationally recognized museum that supports both established and emerging artists. MOCA hosts both permanent and rotating exhibitions, including a Knight Exhibition Series which was founded to bring the community together through the arts and has helped to feature experimental artists. Hours: Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the last Friday of each month it is open from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. for a special jazz event. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Lowe Art Museum

The Lowe Art Museum is part of the University of Miami and works to educate the university and the community with exhibitions and teaching through both permanent and borrowed collections. What began as three classrooms in the University of Miami in 1950 has expanded to a 17,500-object collection in its own building. It is particularly strong when it comes to Renaissance, Baroque, ancient, Native American and Asian art. Not only is the Lowe Art Museum designated as a “Major Cultural Institution” by the State of Florida, it is also accredited by the American Association of Museums – the first art museum in Florida to be so.